Elements of Partial Differential Equations

This textbook presents a first introduction to PDEs on an elementary level, enabling the reader to understand what partial differential equations are, where they come from and how they can be solved. The intention is that the reader understands the basic principles which are valid for particular types of PDEs, and to acquire some classical methods to solve them, thus the authors restrict their considerations to fundamental types of equations and basic methods. Only basic facts from calculus and linear ordinary differential equations of first and second order are needed as a prerequisite.

• An elementary introduction to the basic principles of partial differential equations.
• With many illustrations.
• The book is addressed to students who intend to specialize in mathematics as well as to students of physics, engineering, and economics.

"This is an excellent book providing a first introduction to differential equations on an elementary level."
Dian K. Palagachev in: Zentralblatt MATH 1170

"The book contains 250 exercises demonstrating the main goal of this book, namely introduce students of mathematics, physics and engineering to partial differential equations as one of the main tools of mathematical modelling. It can be highly recommended for this purpose."
(jmil) in: EMS Newsletter 09/2007

"The well-structured text is complemted by numerous illustrations, examples and exercices."
L''Enseignement Mathématique 1-2/2007

"I think the book is an outstanding pedagogical achievement, worthy of serious consideration as a textbook for any course in methods of applied mathematics or even a course specifically in PDE."
Michael Berg, MAA Reviews